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Implementing a Tailored Psychosocial Distress Screening Protocol in a Head and Neck Cancer Program
Eden R Brauer1, Stephanie Lazaro2, Charlene L Williams2
1Department of Nursing, UCLA School of Nursing, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|December 25, 2021
Summary
Psychosocial distress is prevalent in head and neck cancer patients. An ultra-brief screening protocol effectively identifies distress for timely intervention, improving care quality.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychosocial Oncology
- Cancer Care
Background:
- Psychosocial distress is common in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, impacting quality of life and outcomes.
- Distress screening is underutilized in routine HNC care despite its significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of psychosocial distress in HNC patients under routine care.
- To identify factors associated with psychosocial distress in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from September 2017 to March 2020.
- Utilized the Distress Thermometer (DT) and HNC-specific problem list for distress assessment.
- Assessed depression and anxiety using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4; logistic regression identified associated factors.
Main Results:
- 57% of 287 HNC patients reported clinical distress (DT ≥ 4).
- Pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression were significantly associated with clinical distress.
- 79% of distressed patients received same-day psychosocial evaluation.
Conclusions:
- An ultra-brief psychosocial screening protocol is feasible in routine ambulatory oncology care.
- This screening method effectively identifies patients with significant distress that may otherwise be overlooked.
